Loveland Student Receives National Attention For Volunteer Work

How exciting for Loveland student Mack Pairan (who attends Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy)!  He was honored in Washington D.C. at the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Mack was named one of Ohio’s top two youth volunteers from the nationwide program honoring young volunteers.

In 2009, Mack began a mission that has collected over 7000 toiletry items for people in need. The enterprising then 9-year-old passed flyers out in his neighborhood, an effort that generated some 300 items. And, as is what happens a lot when you give with your heart, he wanted to do more. Mack began hosting three annual collection events.

“No matter what your age or what you have, there is always someone who is less fortunate than you, and we are all here to serve in our own way,” said Mack.

 

Northern Kentucky Anti-Bullying Campaign Needs Your Help

A few weeks ago I introduced you to Ryan Courtade, founder of a non-profit, all-volunteer organization called Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation. It is a resource and partner for educators and organizations committed to the success of young people; and the Foundation is a strong advocate for youth in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties with programs that now include bullying prevention.

And Ryan needs your help. He is in the process of developing an anti-bullying campaign to launch in the fall with a focus on empowering the bystanders. It will use various media to relay information including a video, printed materials and the internet. Ryan wants to engage youth rather than using only school-wide assemblies and other traditional methods.

Do you have some time and resources to give to help? Any businesses, agencies or community members interested in assisting with the anti-bullying efforts should call him at 859-795-1506 or visit www.nkyyouth.org for more information.

YMCA Character Awards Celebrated Future Leaders

If you want to truly be inspired…spend an evening surrounded by young people who are making a difference in this world in their own very personal way. This was the 15th year that the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati celebrated teen role models for caring, respect, honesty and responsibility. It was such an honor for me to work with them and get to know them in writing their bios and working on the publicity. A special thank you to FOX19, who I got to partner with us in promoting it. Each day the week leading up to the event Tracey Johnson (who emceed the event) interviewed honorees on her Morning Xtra show.

Cincinnati Enquirer story on YMCA Character Awards

 

One of Tracey Johnson’s interview with YMCA Character Award honorees

Harlem Globetrotter Alumni Helping Cincinnati Youth

Meet my newest Good Things Pledge champions….Albert Gordon, Larry Coleman, Michael Douglas, and Tyron Hollywood Brown (pictured with me).

I met them at FOX19 and these Harlem Globetrotters alumni who are now part of the Harlem Legends Basketball Entertainers are all about doing good. They are in Cincinnati to play a basketball game Thursday night at Princeton High School benefiting the Princeton High School athletic department.  Funds raised will help ensure students who want to play  and can benefit from sports will be able to have that opportunity.  Who will their team be up against? Community and business leaders, and educators – all of whom share a common passion for wanting to help young people succeed. The game will begin at 6 p.m. at Princeton High School (11080 Chester Rd; Cincinnati, Ohio 45246). Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door. For more information, please call 513-864-1500.

Are you a Good Things Pledge champion? Sure you are. We all are because we all have within ourselves the power to do and nurture good things. If you visit my Pledge page on this blog and add your name, I’ll send you a certificate.

About the Harlem Legends

The Harlem Legends Basketball Entertainers are all Harlem Globetrotters alumni who want to use their talents to bring out the best in others, especially young people.

Legend Michael Douglas began his youth foundation in 1991 to provide positive and educational activities for communities around the globe. The Michael Douglas Youth Foundation brings together motivational speakers, NBA stars, Harlem Legends members and entertainers to raise money for nonprofits and teach youth how to succeed in the game of life.

Chosen as an advocate for the President’s Fitness Challenge, the Harlem Legends will take the lead in being role models for youth and society through a variety of activities including Shoot for the Stars basketball and physical fitness camps, celebrity basketball shows and motivational programs.

 “Kids are our future. They look up to professional athletes and so we want to be the best possible role models we can be. We’re all about encouraging them to follow their dreams to ensure a bright future for themselves,” Michael told me, “but we’re not just helping kids by doing this, we’re helping…period.”

 

A Teen’s Perspective On ‘Caring’

On April 17, 2012 Erin Daniels, a junior at North College Hill High School in Cincinnati, will be among 40 local students who will be honored by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati as a YMCA Character Award recipient. Each of the honorees has her/her own very unique story of making a difference but what they all share is how they are role models for the character values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.

I was with Erin recently for a television interview and afterward asked her what it means to be ‘caring’. This is what she said.

YMCA Character Awards 2012 news release

2012 YMCA Character Award recipients 2012

The YMCA Character Awards Event will be April 17, 2012 at the School for Creative & Performing Arts. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 for an adult or $10 for a youth. To purchase a ticket, please call 513-246-3205.

I have a few tickets to give-a-way. I will be drawing on this coming Wednesday from among my Good Things Pledge champions. Not a champion yet? It’s simple. Just visit the page and add your contact information.

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